Outright title favourites and defending champions City Oilers dramatically won game one 74-72 against hard-boiled Kampala International University (KIU) Titans. The best of seven series final tipped of yesterday Friday at the Lugogo MTN Arena and fans were treated to the anticipated excitement as both sides put up the best of their abilities.
With almost the entire arena cheering for the university side, the boys did not disappoint as they led both the first and second quarter 16-14 and 27-25 respectively. However, the money bags managed to overwhelmingly pull back in the third quarter leading with a seven point’s margin (44-37).
Going into the fourth quarter, everything seemed over for the new finalists because the four time defending champion further stretched the lead to nine points. With a few minutes to end the final quarter, KIU put three pointers to close the gap to 3 points. Few seconds to full time, Dennis Balungu’s three pointer that forced the game into overtime (62-62) seemed heaven for the underdogs and the entire arena went wild in jubilation.
In the overtime, the hype for the game remained stiff but due to Oilers’ tactical supremacy, they edged KIU 74:72 at full-time hence winning game one. The stars from both sides included; Oilers’ captain Jimmy Enabu who made 17 points, Jonah Otim also made 17 points and for KIU titans shooting guard Ulanga Sudi raised 16 points, while Balungu Denis made 14 points. Second game is on Sunday 5:30pm at the Lugogo MTN Arena.